Shin splints is a type of shin pain, usually caused by exercise. It's not serious and there are things you can do to help get better.
Shin splints usually happen when you do exercise like running.
You will have pain and tenderness along the front of your lower leg (shin).
Shin splints usually get better within a few weeks. There are things you can do to get better quicker.
take paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease the pain
put an ice pack (or bag of frozen vegetables) in a towel on your shin for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours
switch to gentle exercise such as yoga or swimming while healing
exercise on soft ground, if you can, when you're feeling better
warm up before exercise and stretch after exercise
make sure your trainers or shoes support your feet properly
do not continue doing the exercise that caused your shin splints
do not rush back into exercise at the level you were at – build your exercise routine back up slowly
A GP will ask about your symptoms and examine your leg. If it's not getting better, they may be able to refer you to a physiotherapist.
Physiotherapy from the NHS might not be available everywhere and waiting times can be long. You can also get it privately.
Shin splints happen when you've put too much stress on your leg.
You're more likely to get shin splints if: